Chía (goddess)

Chía
Moon
Member of Muisca religion
Statue of Chía in Chía
Major cult center	Moon Temple, Chía
Planet	Moon
Region	Altiplano Cundiboyacense Colombia
Ethnic group	Muisca
Consort	Sué (Sun)
Equivalents
Greek equivalent	Selene
Roman equivalent	Luna

The goddess Chía (from the Chibcha language "the one who is like the moon"), is a triple goddess in the religion of the Muisca who inhabited the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in pre-Columbian times. Of central importance to the pantheon, she was worshipped across various Muisca lands. In one of her many functions, Chía was considered to be the patron deity of the Zipa ruler, who governed the territory encompassing what is now Bogotá. Her ceremonial center was located in or around the city of Chía, Cundinamarca, which was aptly named after the goddess.

The chyquys; priests of the sacred calendar, were in charge of the ceremonies dedicated to the goddess, which included offerings of gold and ceramic artwork.

See also

Muisca women, astronomy

Muisca religion

Moon Temple in Chía